[Brillo]

Originally Posted by GothingNC

From reading the NA Mini Cooper forums the early automatics (CVT) have a high failure rate and is not a cheap part to replace ($8,000 at the stealership)

Stick with 05 and newer since they seem to be more reliable

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/154606-cvt-reliability.html

Good advice. NAM is a good place for information. You may want to try So. CA Mini Maniacs, although she may want to join in with them for fun after she gets the Mini. They are a very active social group.
http://www.scmm.org/